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Joachim Low and Oliver Bierhoff try to lower expectations and pressure on Germany

Joachim Low and Oliver Bierhoff have lowered expectations by saying it is "impossible" for Germany to win the World Cup.

Last Updated: 26/03/13 10:19am

Joachim Low: Played down Germany's chances in Brazil

Should Germany qualify, and they can take a big step towards that aim by beating Kazakhstan on Tuesday night, they will be touted as one of the favourites given their recent record in World Cups and European Championships.

Manager Low's men have reached the semi-finals of the last four major tournaments and were beaten finalists at Euro 2008, yet the chances of them going one step better in South America are minimal, at least according to Low and general manager Bierhoff.

"For a European side, it's impossible to win a title in South America," said Bierhoff.

Low echoed those words on Monday, albeit in a far less convincing manner.

"Of course it's incredibly difficult to win and become world champions there,

it's virtually impossible. Virtually." he said.

"But it was virtually impossible for Greece to become European champions in 2004.

"We will be one of the favourites, but there are also Argentina, Brazil, and some Europeans like Spain, Italy so we should be humble.

"We are not even there yet. We will think about the tournament when the draw is made."

That takes place at the end of the year when Germany hope to have qualified automatically, a destiny which is in their own hands in Group C of qualification.

Victory over Kazakhstan in Nuremberg on Tuesday night could give them an eight-point cushion to defend over their remaining four matches, one of which takes place in the Faroe Islands.